Less Than Jake

In With The Out Crowd

Sire

Shehzaad Jiwani (CHARTattack)

05/23/2006 11:02am

If you've been keeping up with Less Than Jake over the years, you should know what to expect with their latest album. Just because it's predictable, though, doesn't make it any less fun. Those who never liked Chris Demakes' nasal delivery aren't going to change their minds here, but the band's knack for writing a catchy melody is still intact. The group have gone for a far more polished approach on In With The Out Crowd, making them sound very similar to Fueled By Ramen alumni Fall Out Boy, and thus songs like "Fall Apart" are so glossy they hurt. Less Than Jake's ska roots are limited to album highlight "A Still Life Franchise." Other than that, there's nothing remarkable here.